Public Appointments

Two Members of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA)

Information pack for applicants

Closing Date for receipt of applications is:

23:59 on 17th October 2017

ContentsPage

Introduction2

Background3

Role of the CommitteeMembers of ACOBA5

Candidate profile6

Details of the appointment7

How to apply8

Appendix 1

Code of Practice for Members of ACOBA

Appendix 2

The Seven Principles of Public Life

Enclosure:

Personal Information Form

Introduction

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a member of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA).

ACOBA was established by the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, in 1975. It is an independent, advisory, non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Cabinet Office. ACOBA comprises eight members, three members are political appointees; nominated by the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties; and a further five are independent members. The open vacancies are two of the five independent members.

It is long-standing Government policy that it is in the public interest that those with experience in government should be able to move into business or other areas of public life and it is equally important that in the taking up of an appointment, there is no cause for suspicion of impropriety.

ACOBAacts independently to adviseformer Ministers, the Prime Minister, First Ministers for Scotland and Wales, Foreign Secretary, Defence Secretary, and departmental Permanent Secretaries on applications referred to it, under the Government’s Business Appointment Rules (the Rules)

In doing so it advises onthe conditions that should apply to appointments or employment, under the Rules in place for civil servants, at the most senior level[1], and the Rules for former Ministers, which both apply for two years after officials have left office. The Rules seek to counter suspicion that:

  1. the decisions and statements of a serving official might be influenced by the hope
    or expectation of future employment with a particular organisation; or
  2. an employer could gain an unfair advantage through sensitive information to which a former official has had access to by virtue of their time office; or
  3. an employer could make improper use of contacts an individual has gained from their time in office.

Applications are assessed case-by-case, on their individual merits,taking into consideration previous decisions. In advising on an application, ACOBA must consider the public interest in light of the Government’s Rules and the law on restraint of trade. ACOBA may advise on a range of specific conditions to be applied in relation to any appointment. All members of ACOBA contribute to the assessment process, and collectively deliberate (usually by correspondence), in each case to agree the advice to be provided.

The Rules apply to all appointments and employment within two years of leaving office or Crown service. Once an individual notifies ACOBA that he or she has taken up an appointment or employment, ACOBA will publish its advice letter and any conditions imposed on its website (and in its annual reports).

Role of ACOBA’s Committee Members

The members of ACOBAhave collective responsibility for supporting the Chair to advise Government and former Ministers on its decisions under the Rules. The Committee is supported by a Secretariat, which currently consist of 3 team members and sits within the Civil Service Commission, to remain independent of its sponsoring department – the Cabinet Office.

The Secretariat prepare advice on the applications submitted and generally members of ACOBA are expected to:

  • play a full and active part in ACOBA’s work, engaging in the collective consideration of applications (usually by email); taking account of the relevant factors and information; and challenge where necessary the information or recommendations presented.
  • support the wider aims of the Chair in relation to policy and procedure.
  • attendand contribute to between 4 and 6 ACOBA meetingsin London, and occasional attendance at casework related meetings arranged where necessary.
  • ensure the confidentiality of individual applications and associated discussions; whilst operating within the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection Act 1998.
  • agree an Annual Report.

In addition, all members of the Committee must:

  • ensure they understand their duties, rights and responsibilities, and that they are familiar with the function and role of ACOBA and any relevant statements of government policy. New Committee members will be briefed on these issues by the Secretariat;
  • ensure they act in accordance with the Code of Practice for members (see Appendix 1) and the Seven Principles of Public Life (see Appendix 2);
  • comply with any rules set by the Committee regarding remuneration and allowances, the reimbursement of expenses and the acceptance of gifts and hospitality; and
  • not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political purpose, nor seek to use the role of public service to promote their private interests or those of closely connected persons, firms, businesses or other organisations.

Candidate Profile

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, successful candidates will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

Essential

  • Ability to work at a senior level and command the confidence and trust of key stakeholders, including those subject to the Rules.
  • Ability to analyse complex information from a range ofsources, identify key issues and make objective and balanced decisions on complex issues.
  • An understanding of the issues around the perception ofoutside appointments for former crown servants
  • Evidence of effective working as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and oral.

Desirable

  • Experience of dealing with conflicts of interest.

Details of the appointment

Remuneration and allowances

  • Members receive an honorarium of £3,000 per annum.
  • Members can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily incurred on Committee business.
  • Remuneration is not pensionable.

Appointment and tenure of office

  • These appointments are made by the Prime Minister for single five year non-renewable terms.
  • It should be noted that these posts are public appointment. Therefore, such appointments are not normally subject to the provisions of employment law.

Time commitment

  • Members are expected to commit an average of 1-2days a month to the role. This would usually be spread over the month through regular email correspondence most weeks, rather than as whole or half day units. This offers considerable flexibility for managing the timing of individual contributions (e.g. you might choose to correspond during the working day, or not). The level of work can vary from week to week and month to month.
  • ACOBA also meets in central London several times a year for half-day meetingsas a full Committee (usually around 4-6 times a year).
  • ACOBA may also, on occasion, meet on an ad hoc basis in London to discuss an appointment with an applicant.

Diversity and equality of opportunity

These appointments will be governed by the principles of public appointments based on merit after an open and fair process. The Cabinet Office is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation and transgender.

Standards in public life

You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct. Candidates will be expected to abide by the “Seven Principles of Public Life” set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (see Appendix 2).

Registration of interests

The purpose of these provisions is to avoid any danger of Committee Members being influenced, or appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their public duties.

Public appointments require the highest standards of propriety. This means that any private, voluntary, charitable, or political interest which might be material and relevant to the work of the Committeeshould be declared. It is important, therefore, that you consider your circumstances when applying for a public appointment and identify any potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived.

There is a requirement to declare any actual or potential conflict of interest you may have in being appointed to the Committee in the separate personal information formenclosed with this information pack. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest will be fully explored by the Panel at interview stage.

The Register of Interests is made available to the public as part of the Committee Members’ Biographies, published on the Committee’s website.

Political activity

Members of the Committee must declare any party political activity they undertake in the period of their appointment.

The political activity declarationwill be kept separate from your application and will only be seen by the Panel prior to interview – the Panel may at that stage explore with candidates any potential for conflict of interest. It is appreciated that political activities may have given you relevant skills, including experience gained from committee work, collective decision making, resolving conflict and public speaking. If, therefore, you have had such experience and you consider it relevant to your application for this post, you may if you choose include it separately in the main body of your application.

Eligibility

All potential applicants should be aware that they will not be eligible to apply for any role on the Committee if they themselves are subject to the Business Appointment Rules which apply for two years after leaving Crown service. If you are unsure whether you are currently subject to the Business Appointment Rules, please contact Ruth Chillmaidon 0207 276 3968 for clarification.

Termination of appointments

Appointments may be terminated prior to the conclusion of the period of appointment.

Security clearance

Members of the Committee are required to have, or be willing to undergo, security clearance (baseline).

How to apply

Applicants should submit:

  • a CV (maximum two pages);
  • an accompanying letter (maximum 2 pages) which sets out how you meet the candidate profile;
  • the personal information form.

Please use one of the following methods by:

E-MAIL:

POST:Ruth Chillmaid

Propriety and Ethics Team

Room 206

Cabinet Office

70 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2AS

Electronic versions of the candidate packand the accompanying personal information form may be downloaded at:

If you have any specific requirements during the completion of your application, or you need further information, please contact Ruth Chillmaid on 0207 276 3968.

Once we receive your application

  • We will acknowledge receipt of your application (by e-mail if provided). After the closing date, we will process your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages.
  • Your application will be assessed against the candidateprofile and your experience for the role. Please ensure that you provide written evidence in your covering letter that demonstrates how you meet the criteria. Submitting a CV alone will not be sufficient.
  • At the short-listing meeting, the panel will decide the candidates who will be invited for interview, taking account of the evidence provided by the candidates. You will be advised of the outcome of your application by e-mail as soon as possible.If successful, you will be invited to an interview in central London.
  • The responsible Minister may wish to meet the candidates who are deemed appointable by the selection panel beforemaking recommendations to the Prime Minister, who will make the final decision.
  • If your application is unsuccessful and you would like feedback, please write to the e-mail or postal addresses above.
  • If you have a complaint about the way your application has been handled at any stage, please see the section on “How to complain” below.

Timetable

  • Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on 17th October 2017
  • Interviews for the Member roles will take place week commencing 20th November 2017.

Selection and interview

The selection and interview panels will comprise the Chair of ACoBA, officials from the Cabinet Office and another Government Department,and an Independent Panel Member. Further details will be provided to those candidates invited for interview.

Code of Governance for Public Appointments

This appointment is subject to the scrutiny of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, TheRt Hon Peter Riddell and his office.

The role of the Commissioner for Public Appointments is to regulate Ministerial appointments to the boards of public bodies and statutory offices to ensure that selection of appointable candidates is on the basis of merit after a fair and open process.

More information about the Commissioner for Public Appointments and his Code of Practice is available at:

How to complain

If you are not completely satisfied, please contact, in the first instance:

Sharon Carter

Deputy Director

Propriety and Ethics Team

Cabinet Office

70 Whitehall

London

SW1A 2AS

Tel: 0207 276 2471

We will reply to your complaint within 20 days. If, after receiving our response you are still not satisfied, you may contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments:

The Commissioner for Public Appointments
Room G/8, Ground Floor
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
Tel: 0207 271 0849

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors appointments to public bodies to ensure procedures are fair.

Information about the Commissioner’s policy and manner in which complaints are investigated are set out in the Commissioner’s leaflet Your Guide to Making a Complaint about a Public Appointments Process. This, and more information about the role of the Commissioner and his Code of Practice is available from website address:

Use of your personal information

Your personal information will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. You will not receive unsolicited paper or electronic mail as a result of sending us any personal information. No personal information will be passed on to third parties for commercial purposes.

When we ask you for personal information, we promise we will:

  • only ask for what we need, and not collect too much or irrelevant information
  • ensure you know why we need it
  • protect it and insofar as is possible, make sure nobody has access to it who shouldn't
  • ensure you know what choice you have about giving us information
  • make sure we don't keep it longer than necessary
  • only use your information for the purposes you have authorised

We ask that you:

  • give us accurate information
  • tell us as soon as possible of any changes
  • tell us as soon as possible if you notice mistakes in the information we hold about you

If you apply for a post, the manner in which we share information with the Panel is described above.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors appointments to public bodies to ensure procedures are fair. We are required by the Commissioner for Public Appointments to retain information about the people who apply for public appointments within his remit, and make this information available to him for audit purposes, if requested to do so. Information you provide in your application may therefore be made available to the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the Commissioner’s auditors on a confidential basis in order to help fulfil the Commissioner’s formal complaints investigation role and for audit purposes.

Our data protection policy is in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and the requirements of the Commissioner’s Code of Practice. The Commissioner’s requirements relating to the information we collect about applicants are set out below:

  • Your initial contact details, including your name and address will be held by the Cabinet Office for a period of at least 2 years.
  • If you submit an application form, the form and any supporting documentation will be retained for at least 2 years.
  • Information held electronically, including your contact detailsand the monitoring information which you provide will also be held for at least 2 years.

If you would like these details to be removed from our records as soon as this recruitment exercise is complete, please informSally Pugh via the email address or postal address to which you sent your application.

Equal Opportunities monitoring information:

This information is not used in the selection process. It will be removed on receipt and is not seen by the panel assessing your application. We use this information to monitor the diversity of candidates we attract and those we appoint.

Appendix 1: Code of Practicefor Members of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments

Public Service Values

  1. The members of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments must at all times:
  2. observe the standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in relation to and in consideration of all applications made under the Business Appointment Rules and the Guidelines for former ministers; and
  3. be open and transparent, complying with the Freedom of Information Act, whilst ensuring confidentiality of individual applications and associated discussion.
  4. The Prime Minister is answerable to Parliament for the performance of the Advisory Committee’s duties as outlined in the Government’s Rules.

Standards in Public Life

  1. All Advisory Committee members must:
  2. follow the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (see Appendix 2);
  3. comply with the Advisory Committee’s Code of Practice, and ensure that they understand their duties, rights and responsibilities, and that they are familiar with the function and role of the Advisory Committee and any relevant statements of government policy. New Advisory Committee members should be briefed on these issues by the Secretary;
  4. comply with any rules set by the Advisory Committee regarding remuneration and allowances, the reimbursement of expenses and the acceptance of gifts and hospitality; and
  5. not misuse information gained in the course of their public service for personal gain or for political purpose, nor seek to use the role of public service to promote their private interests or those of closely connected persons, firms, businesses or other organisations.

Role of Committee members

  1. Members of the Advisory Committee have collective responsibility for its operation. They must:
  2. play a full and active part in the work of the Advisory Committee, engaging in collective consideration of applications and taking account of the relevant factors and information;
  3. respond appropriately to complaints;
  4. ensure that the Advisory Committee does not exceed its powers or functions;
  5. ensure that the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (including prompt responses to public requests for information) are adhered to, whilst ensuring the confidentiality of individual applications and associated discussions;
  6. publish relevant information on all appointments taken up; and
  7. agree an Annual Report.
  1. Members are appointed for a non-renewable period of 5 years and any individual Advisory Committee members can be removed from office by the Prime Minister if they fail to perform the duties required of them in line with the standards expected in public office. Members should at all times, and in particular when engaging in political activity, remain conscious of their role and general responsibilities and should exercise discretion.

The role of the Chairman